Recruiting roundup

Garry Paskwietz

01/08/2003

An update on where the Trojans stand in the recruiting process as they head into the final month before letter of intent signing day.

QBIt looks as if the Trojans will not be taking a QB this year with Kyle Wright headed to Miami and Chris Leak to Florida. There are reports, however, that Dennis Dixon has a trip scheduled to USC next weekend so things may change.

RBWith commitments this week from Reggie Bush and Lendale White the Trojans have the makings of a terrific RB class. We already have verbals from Chauncey Washington and from Jody Adewale as a fullback while Tony Hunt is another verbal who can play either RB or LB. Maurice Drew will still consider USC and will visit next weekend. Drew wowed onlookers at CaliFlorida practices and the game with his terrific play.

WRWe need to firm up some verbals at this spot. Steve Smith is down to USC or Tennessee amid many rumors that he is a heavy Trojan lean. Whitney Lewis visits this weekend with FSU still the primary rival while Andre Caldwell continues to be an interesting option. The common thought has him staying in Florida but the presence of his brother in San Diego and the impact last year of Tampa freshman Mike Williams could make this one very interesting. Mark Bradford remains a possibility as well.

OLSam Baker is the top remaining target and he is considered a strong Trojan lean. We already have verbals from Radovich, Draper, Kalil and Spanos (could also play defense) so this will be a very good class. There was a lot of praise for Matt Reese at the CaliFlorida Bowl practices and the USC coaches have long been interested in his potential so he may get another look.

DLThe coaches will bring in two DT recruits for visits this weekend in Ryan Watson and Sedrick Ellis. We have verbals from one tackle in Fili Moala and are still pending the qualifying status of Manuel Wright. On the outside we have the makings of something special with verbals from Lawrence Jackson, Chris Barrett, Alex Morrow and Jon Turner. One standout at the CaliFlorida game was Junior Lemau'u and he is still very interested in the Trojans with rumors that he will meet with the coaches next week.

LB The remaining priority is Lamarr Woodley with many "experts" assuming he is headed to Michigan State but the Trojans are very much in it for the big man who could also end up at DE. Rucker and Williams looked good in all-star games while Faraimo could grayshirt. Marvin Simmons will not sign in next month but is still a possibility for the fall.

DBThe Trojans have a pair of top secondary prospects coming in this weekend with Terrell Thomas and Desmond Reed and both are leaning our way. The Ting brothers played well in the CaliFlorida bowl to show that they are big time prospects and they join Eric Wright as corner commits. We also will see Darnell Bing at safety and he's pretty good. Chijoke Onyenegecha is a junior college corner who will also get a long look.

KThe coaches would love to add a kicker in this class but still no offers. Jeff Ferrier from Mission Viejo looked great in the CaliFlorida game and we have also evaluated Sergio Aguayo from San Jacinto.